Socio-demographic characteristics associated with perceived social support among parents of children aged 0-7 years: the CIKEO study

Background: Social support has been associated with numerous positive outcomes for families' health, wellbeing and empowerment. This study examined which socio-demographic characteristics are associated with perceived social support among parents of children aged 0-7 years. Method: Cross-sectional data of 1007 parents of children aged 0-7 years, gathered in the CIKEO cohort study in the Netherlands, were analysed. Social support was assessed with the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Linear regression models were used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and perceived social support. Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.1 years (SD = 5.1); 92.9% were mothers. The multivariable regression model showed that fathers (beta: -0.15, 95% CI: - 0.22, - 0.08), parents with a low educational level (beta: -0.12, 95% CI: 0.18, - 0.06), parents with a low income (beta: -0.10, 95% CI: - 0.19, - 0.01), unemployed parents (beta: -0.14, 95% CI: - 0.20, - 0.07), and parents of older children (beta: -0.07; 95% CI: - 0.13, 0.00) perceived lower levels of social support. Interaction analyses showed that parents with a migration background and a low educational level were particularly susceptible to perceiving lower levels of support (beta: -0.34, 95% CI: - 0.52, - 0.15). Conclusion: Fathers, parents with a low educational level, parents with a low income, unemployed parents, parents of older children, and parents with both a migration background and a low educational level are at increased risk of perceiving lower levels of social support.